WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--- Pratt & Whitney Large Military Engines has signed memoranda of agreement with Rolls-Royce plc under which the parties intend to negotiate a contract for Rolls-Royce to supply the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) lift system for the JSF119 engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) propulsion system for the joint strike fighter (JSF) program. The Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce team bring vital individual capabilities and demonstrated performance in designing and developing propulsion systems for both conventional and vertical lift systems, and will provide considerable synergies in the critical area of systems integration. "This agreement, in conjunction with Pratt & Whitney's Day One Sourcing plan, adds to our worldwide team of proven suppliers to insure the successful global fielding of the JSF119 propulsion system,'' said Bob Cea, Pratt & Whitney JSF program manager. Pratt & Whitney's JSF119 propulsion system has been selected to power both the Boeing and Lockheed Martin weapons system concepts. Pratt & Whitney and its worldwide team, including Rolls-Royce, will submit proposals for the EMD program mid next year. The U.S. government is expected to select the winning weapon system and award contracts for the EMD program in 2001. Pratt & Whitney's military engines business, based in West Palm Beach, Fla., designs, develops, tests, and supports military jet engines. Pratt & Whitney is a part of United Technologies Corporation. Rolls-Royce plc designs, manufactures and supports military aero-engines worldwide and is a global company meeting present and future requirements of civil aerospace, defense, marine, and energy markets.
